Starmer’s key ally Darren Jones drops out of race for Britain’s next PM

Darren Jones, the chief secretary to outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and one of his close allies, on Wednesday ruled himself out of the race to replace Starmer as Labour leader and backed the sole contender, Andy Burnham.

“Andy Burnham is going to be the next prime minister. And if there was a contest of Labour Party members, he would win,” Jones told Sky News.

Jones had earlier been considered a potential challenger to Burnham in a leadership contest. His decision to withdraw support means Burnham is now on course to become Britain’s next prime minister by mid-July, instead of after a prolonged leadership election expected in September.

Jones said he was reassured by Burnham over his economic plans, a key concern among investors after the former Greater Manchester mayor last year said the country needed to stop being “in hock to the bond markets.” Burnham later argued that his remarks had been taken out of context.

“We talked a lot about what he was thinking on the economy and what my thoughts were on that, and some of the potential ways forward for the new government,” Jones said.

Starmer announced on Monday that he would resign after facing months of pressure over Labour’s declining poll numbers and disappointing results in recent local elections. The incoming prime minister will become Britain’s seventh leader in a decade.